Whatever happened to: The Gilmore Church of Christ

In June 2012, the Gilmore Church of Christ in Farwell started a project that required a lot of heavy lifting.

The 111-year-old church, was resting atop a crumbling foundation.

Facing a $500,000 bill to purchase new property and construct a new church, the congregation had other plans.

Using volunteers from the church and $120,000, the Gilmore Church of Christ propped their building up on wheels and towed it across the property to a new location.

On April 28, the church hosted its rededication ceremony after less than a year of construction.

“It went well,” general contractor Bob Strong said. “It pretty much went according to plan.”

Though Strong met the project with apprehension, and was afraid of damaging the drywall of the church, everything held together sturdily.

The church was picked up and moved backward while a foundation was built adjacent to the existing fellowship hall, where the congregation holds social events, meetings and dinners.

Between the church’s new location and the hall, a hallway was constructed with office space, handicap-accessible bathrooms, a baptistry room, three new classrooms and offices, minister Kevin Smith said.

The construction was done in three phases, Smith said.

The first phase put the church on the foundation, then the basement was rebuilt and finally the hallway was constructed.

“It’s really nice to have it all on one level,” Strong said.

Smith said there was no timeline for the project, and everything went smoothly.

Along the way, Smith said congregation members were asked for their votes and opinions to ensure the final project pleased everyone.

“We had some hiccups and everything, but we had volunteer labor. People from all over the community donated their services and time,” he said. “It seemed like God just provided for us.”

Smith said when the construction seemed to come to a close, the church held a revival open house with dedication ceremonies.

The church held two Sunday services, at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and will hold a 6 p.m. Monday service and a 6 p.m. Tuesday service.

“Many members of the community volunteered their time and services,” Smith’s wife, Karolyn Smith, said. “We love it.”

Randi Shaffer can be reached at 989-779-6059, rshaffer@michigannewspapers.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/randi.shaffer